Act of devotion
A. SANGAMESWARAN
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Members of the Ammannur family staged `Baalivadham' Koodiyattom at Sree Koodalmanickyam Temple.
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TALES FROM THE RAMAYANA: `Baalivadham.'
The Baalivadham Koodiyattom staged recently at Sree Koodalmanickyam Temple in Irinjalakuda once again showcased the histrionic talent of the Ammannur clan. Only members of the Ammannur clan are allowed to perform in the koothambalam of Sree Koodalmanickyam Temple, a privilege that is cherished by the family.
`Baalivadham'
`Baalivadham,' which forms the first act of Bhasa's `Abhishekanatakam,' was staged in connection with the annual Koodiyattom festival.
`Purappad' and `Nirvahanam' of Sri Rama were enacted on the first two days and was followed by that of Sugriva on the third and fourth day, with the stage set for Koodiyattom on the final day.
The opening scene shows Sugreeva living on the mountain Mallyavan. Despite the inclement weather, Sugreeva is afraid to move away from the mountain as he is mortally afraid of Baali. It is here that he meets Rama and Lakshmana who are in search of Sita.
The play ends with the death of Baali at the hands of Rama and the coronation of Sugreeva.
Ammannur Rajaneesh portrayed Sugreeva and the play of emotions, ranging from his initial fear to sorrow at Bali's death, was skilfully depicted by him. Also noteworthy was his `nirvahanam,' where he portrayed the vacillating nature of Sugreeva. Ammannur Kuttan Chakiyar excelled as valiant Baali with his awe-inspiring display of palazhimathanam and Narasimhavatharam.
The emoting of the death scene, which calls for a tremendous amount of breath control, was an indication of the training and tutelage he received under his mentor and uncle, Madhava Chakiyar.
Raman Chakiyar (Sri Rama) and Sreeroopa (Tara) were the other performers. Percussion by Unnikrishnan Nambiar and Narayanan Nambiar on the mizhavu along with Aniyan Marar and Nandakumar on the edakka added to the aesthetics of the recital. Aparna and Indira handled the thaalam.
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